Niger Delta: Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, is set to host the 3rd Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics, drawing over 1,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from Nigeria’s 36 states.
At a press conference in Yenagoa, Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Dr. Daniel Igali, announced that the championship will take place from November 3rd to 10th, 2024, with wrestling events scheduled from November 5th to 9th.
Dr. Igali emphasized that the 3rd Gov Diri Wrestling Classics, also serving as the 13th National Wrestling Classics, remains the country’s longest-running wrestling tournament.
“The federation has so far received entries from over 25 states, alongside military and paramilitary organizations, with more than 15 clubs also expected to participate,” Dr. Igali stated.
He noted that this year’s edition would feature improved organization, citing enthusiasm and interest from participants and professional management. Nigeria’s poor outing in the Paris Olympics has challenged wrestlers to strive for excellence.
The championship will include Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and female wrestling; 10 weight classes ; 5 Junior and Cadet classes (45 weight classes in total)
Dr. Igali praised Governor Douye Diri’s unwavering support for sports development, highlighting Bayelsa’s impressive wrestling credentials including: 82 African champions; 138 African medals; 4 Commonwealth gold medalists; 1 Olympic silver medalist; 19 Olympians
“Bayelsa remains the most successful wrestling state and the home of wrestling,” Dr. Igali asserted.
Other officials echoed Dr. Igali’s sentiments, including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa who stated that “Nigerians should expect top-notch wrestling in the coming weeks.” The Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Council, Sir Braveman Wodi said that “This championship would help prepare athletes for the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” While the
Chairman, Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association added that “Collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation would help to positively engage youths through sports.”
Dr. Igali thanked sponsors and urged corporate support for sports development in the country. Notable prizes include:
– Overall best wrestler (named after the Chief of Defense Staff)
– Most outstanding team (named after the Comptroller General of Customs)
– Outstanding female wrestler (sponsored by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker)
– Discovery of the tournament (named after the Bayelsa Table Tennis Association Chairman)
Managed by Red Sapphire Nig Ltd, an Abuja-based events and sports management consultancy firm, this year’s championship promises to exceed expectations and elevate wrestling to new heights.
